“Let him go,” she growled, letting her wolf through just enough to show she meant business.The men obeyed.Conscious of watchful eyes, she jutted her chin to the door.“Everyone out!”
At first, no one moved, so she growled again and one by one they filed out.There were about a dozen people, all shifters, glaring at Asher.She stepped in front of him, intending to keep him safe, but he gently drew her back to his side.
“What is going on?”she demanded from them.“The alpha told us to stay home.”
“Wayne is dead!”someone yelled.
She didn’t know Wayne, but that didn’t matter.Another victim.Another life gone.
One man pointed at Asher.“He’s the unicorn.”
“He needs to give us the antidote!”
“Force him to grow his horn!”
“Stop!”Juni screamed.They all paused, surprised by her.“It’s terrible about your friend, but Asher isnotthe unicorn.”
“How do you know?”a woman demanded.
She moved to stand next to him, looking up at him with a small smile, and slid her hand into his.Holding tight.“Because he’s my mate.”
His gaze searched her face, clearly remembering their conversation right before the mob had stormed into the bar.
“Is that true?”he asked.
“Yes,” she told him.Then she looked at the people watching them.“He’s human, so all of you need to get back to your homes and shelter in place, like Alpha Jericho has instructed.Go!”
Slowly, with frowns on their faces, the people turned and walked away.When they were alone, Asher faced her and wrapped his arms around her.
“Mates, huh?I guess that’s why I’ve been so drawn to you,” he murmured.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.Not because I’m not happy that you’re my mate, but because I didn’t want to go from the situation with my father into another controlling situation.I didn’t want to lose the freedom I’d just found.Then, it was because I didn’t want you to feel any pressure.I still don’t.I know you like women.Especially tourists.I promise I’m not standing in your way of that, but I hope we can be friends—”
“Friends?”he interrupted, shaking his head.“No, that’s not going to work for me.”
Her heart sunk to her feet, and she had to look down so he wouldn’t see the hurt that was no doubt on her face.“Oh.Okay.”
A finger lifted her chin.“It’s not going to work because you’re all I see.All I think about.You’re the person I want to be around all the time.I wanted you and Clover to come to my house because I want you in my space.And now, it makes complete sense.”
Her mouth dropped open in shock.“You...Really?”
Tenderly, he placed a chaste kiss on her lips.“Really.So, I’ll ask again.Would you and Clover come over tonight for dinner?”
She smiled and nodded.He caressed her face, running the back of his fingers down her cheeks.“I’ll see you tonight.”
He headed back inside and she decided to walk home, smiling as her thoughts of him tumbled through her head.As she leisurely strolled down the sidewalk, she saw Keegan up ahead.
“Keegan!”she called out.“Why are you out here?”
As she approached, a weird feeling came over Juni.She slowed as she cocked her head.
“Keegan?”
Suddenly, her friend and boss collapsed.Worried, Juni rushed over to her and knelt, turning her over.Keegan blinked and then her head rolled to the side, eyes staring blankly.Her chest didn’t move.Tears sprang into eyes.
“Keegan?”she whispered, shaking her a little.“Wake up.”
Then, just like Mrs.Smyth, a red mist left through her lips, rising to land on Juni.Quickly, she wiped it off her face, but it was too late.Horror rolled through her as she realized what had just happened.Keegan was dead, and now she would be next.Two more casualties of the red death.
